UPDATED Tuesday, January 26, 2010 --- 10:52 a.m.

Update from Public Health - Madison & Dane County:
Last week, Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) resumed the school based H1N1 vaccination clinics that were interrupted last fall due to vaccine shortages. In the four days of clinic activity last week, PHMDC had clinics in 23 schools and covered up to 8 schools per day.

A total of 2210 students were immunized representing 28% of enrollment at the targeted schools. 278 school staff were also immunized. School clinics in Dane County are scheduled through February 11. This week, there are 26 schools on the clinic schedule – 4 of them high schools.

For more information on school clinic schedules, see http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/K12/clinics.cfm

In order for children to be immunized at the school clinics, a written consent form must be signed by the parent or guardian and returned to the school. Forms are available in English, Spanish and Hmong and may be downloaded at: http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/k12/parents.cfm

For information on where children can go to receive their second dose of H1N1 Vaccine, see “Second Dose - Where to Get It” at http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/k12/parents.cfm
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UPDATED Wednesday, January 13, 2010 --- 4:05 p.m.

Update from Public Health - Madison & Dane County:

PHMDC Continues H1N1 Prevention Efforts:
School-Based Immunization Clinics to Resume January 19th

Madison WI – January 13, 2010 – Dane County residents are encouraged to take advantage of the wide availability of H1N1 vaccine and get immunized. “H1N1 influenza does not come and go during the winter months like seasonal influenza. This virus has been present in Madison and Dane County since last spring and is likely to be here for some time to come. Even though December was relatively quiet, H1N1 could come roaring back, especially with schools back in session,” said Dr. Thomas Schlenker, Director of Public Health Madison and Dane County. H1N1 vaccine is now available to anyone who wants the vaccine through local health care providers, pharmacies, public health and other community organizations.

New data from the Wisconsin Division of Health suggests a need to focus particular attention on immunizing racial and ethnic minorities. The data shows that during the fall, when reports of H1N1 infection were high throughout Wisconsin, state hospitalization rates were 2-3 times higher among minority populations than among non-Hispanic whites. In Dane County the disparity for African Americans was even greater with a rate 9 times higher than for non-Hispanic whites. For Hispanics the rate was 2 times higher.

There are many factors that may account for this disparity including lack of access to health care, being uninsured or having underlying health conditions. This population may be less likely to get immunized. In the upcoming weeks, public health and its partners will be outreaching to these populations to promote immunization, and provide information on how to stay healthy and what to do if you are sick.

In addition, beginning next Tuesday, January 19 and for the following three weeks, Public Health will be returning to the schools to resume the H1N1 vaccination program, which was interrupted last fall due to vaccine shortages. Parents of school children in specific schools in Madison and Dane County will soon be receiving information from their school, if they haven’t already done so. More information on school clinics is on the Public Health website at http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/K12/clinics.cfm Parents can also call the Public Health Madison and Dane County flu line at 243-0555 with any questions they have regarding these clinics.

Information about H1N1 vaccination opportunities is available from United Way 2-1-1 Wisconsin Flu Clinic Locator at wisconsinfluclinic.info, or call 2-1-1.

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UPDATED Saturday, December 12, 2009 --- 4:55 p.m.

Press Release:

Twelve area Emergency Medical Services (EMS), in partnership with Public Health – Madison and Dane County, immunized 1551 people at the special EMS hosted H1N1 vaccination clinics held on Saturday, December 12, across Dane County.

The target groups reached* included:
0% Pregnant women
47% Children & young adults, 6 months through 24 years
21% People with underlying health conditions, 25 though 64 years
1% People who live with or care for children less than 6 months
3 % Healthcare or emergency medical services personnel

* not all target data is available yet

The people being immunized were appreciative to have an opportunity to get immunized in their community by their local EMS. Kids had an added bonus in some locations with quick fire truck tours. The EMS personnel and their response partners (fire and police) were pleased to be able to serve their community with this innovative public health service.

PHMDC appreciates the help and support of over 135 people from the participating EMS agencies and their response partners in Belleville, Blooming Grove/Burke /Maple Bluff ,Cambridge, Deer-Grove, District One (Black Earth, Mazomanie), Fitch-Rona, Marshall, McFarland, Oregon, Stoughton ,Town of Madison, Waunakee, personnel from other Dane County EMS, Dane County Emergency Management and Home Health United.

For those in the target groups that were unable to make it to these clinics today, but are still interested in H1N1 vaccination, there is another Public Health H1N1 clinic opportunity on MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 11:00 AM -7:00 PM AT THE EXHIBITION HALL, ALLIANT ENERGY CENTER. For further details, see http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/immunization/clinics.cfm

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UPDATED Monday, December 7, 2009 --- 1:15 p.m.

Press Release:

Twelve area Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies and their response partners from around Dane County will be hosting special H1N1 Immunization Saturday vaccination clinics on December 12. These clinics are for people at high risk for getting the virus and developing complications. The clinics will be open from 8:00 a.m. until noon (unless the vaccine supplies run out earlier).

Emergency Medical Technicians from Belleville, Blooming Grove/Burke/Maple Bluff, Cambridge, Deer-Grove (Deerfield/Cottage Grove), District 1 (Black Earth/Mazomanie), Fitch-Rona (Fitchburg/Verona), Marshall, McFarland, Oregon, Stoughton, Town of Madison, and Waunakee are participating.

These clinics are held in collaboration with Public Health - Madison and Dane County, Dane County Emergency Management-Emergency Medical Services and Home Health United.

See below for the specific locations of the clinics.
These clinics are specifically for those in the original H1N1 immunization target groups:
• Pregnant women
• Household contacts or caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare or emergency medical services personnel
• Children and young adults ages 6 months through 24 years
• Persons aged 25 through 64 who have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of medical complications from influenza

Immunizations are free and on a first come, first serve basis. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. Immunizations will be given until noon, unless vaccine supplies run out earlier. Each location will have 500 doses of vaccine. If vaccine supplies run out early, the clinic closing will be posted on http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/immunization/clinics.cfm If you have web access, it is suggested you check this site or call United Way 2-1-1 before you leave home to see if the site you are going to has closed early.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

A clinic consent form is available in English, Spanish and Hmong and is posted on www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/immunization/vaccine.cfm

People are encouraged to download and fill out the consent form and bring it with them to the clinic. This will help to make the process go faster. Forms will also be available at the clinics.

Those who are not in these target groups are asked to be patient as we need to make sure that those in the high risk groups are vaccinated first. Current studies indicate persons 65 and older have some immunity to H1N1 influenza; therefore, older adults are not included in the first target groups recommended to get the H1N1 vaccine.

Additional opportunities to get H1N1 vaccine are being provided through Public Health:
• Appointment Only H1N1 Vaccination Clinics - 6 locations. Call PHMDC flu line at 243-0555 for an appointment.
• Targeted Community H1N1 Vaccination Clinic - December 14, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center.
For more details go to www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/immunization/clinics.cfm

For more information on Public Health clinics, call PHMDC flu line at 243-0555 or United Way 2-1-1.

EMS CLINIC LOCATOR
SATURDAY DECEMBER 12, 2009
8:00 a.m. - Noon

Belleville EMS
Bellville EMS Station
480 River St.,Belleville

Blooming Grove/Burke/Maple Bluff EMS
Maple Bluff Fire Station
18 Oxford Place, Madison

Cambridge EMS
Cambridge EMS Station
205 W Main St., Cambridge

Deer-Grove EMS
Deer-Grove EMS Station
4030 Cty Hwy N, Cottage Grove

District 1 EMS
District 1 EMS Station
316 W Commercial Ave., Mazomanie

Fitch-Rona EMS
Fitch-Rona EMS Station
5415 King James Way, Fitchburg

Marshall EMS
Marshall EMS Station
119 Industrial Drive, Marshall

McFarland EMS
McFarland EMS Station
5915 Milwaukee St., McFarland

Oregon Fire/EMS
Oregon Fire EMS Station
131 Spring St., Oregon

Stoughton Area EMS
Stoughton Area EMS Station
516 S 4th St., Stoughton

Town of Madison Fire/EMS
Town of Madison Fire Station
2120 Fish Hatchery Rd. Madison

Waunakee Area EMS
Waunakee Middle School
1001 South St., Waunakee
(South Entrance)

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UPDATED Monday, November 30, 2009 --- 1:00 p.m.

Madison WI – November 30, 2009 – Now that H1N1 vaccine is more available, Public Health-Madison and Dane County is providing a variety of vaccination opportunities for those at risk.

H1N1 Vaccination By Appointment
These will be held at 6 locations in Dane County: East Madison, Stoughton, and Middleton on Wednesdays, 2-6 pm; and Sun Prairie, Verona, and South Madison on Thursdays, 3-7 pm during the first three weeks of December.
These clinics will be opened up to those in the original CDC target populations:
- Pregnant women
- Persons who live with or care for infants less than 6 months of age
- All persons 6 months -24 years
- People 25-64 years with underlying health conditions. For more details go to:
http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/K12/UnderlyingConditions.cfm

To schedule an appointment, call Public Health’s Flu Line at 243-0555.

H1N1 Vaccination Targeted Community Clinic
Monday, December 14, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center
This clinic is for:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for infants less than 6 months of age
- Children aged 6 months through 4 years
- Persons with underlying health conditions, aged 5 – 64 years old
- Children under 10 needing their second dose of H1N1 vaccine. (This includes those children who received their first dose at the November 17 & 18th Alliant Energy Center Immunization Clinics. The CDC recommends 21 days or more between the first and second doses.)

For more information go to http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/immunization/clinics.cfm

H1N1 Vaccination By Dane County Emergency Medical Services:
Public Health is partnering with area EMS agencies to provide vaccine to the original targeted groups in their Dane County communities.

When details are finalized, information will be posted on http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/immunization/clinics.cfm

School-based H1N1 clinics will resume in January 2010.

You can also get community clinic information from United Way 2-1-1 Wisconsin Flu Clinic Locator at http://www.wisconsinfluclinic.info

Although the H1N1 vaccine at this time is only being offered to high-risk groups, CDC says that there will eventually be enough vaccine for anyone who wishes to receive it.

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UPDATED Friday, November 20, 2009 --- 3:30 p.m.

Madison WI – November 20, 2009 - Public Health – Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) immunized 6,237 people at its targeted H1N1 community immunization clinics held Tuesday and Wednesday this week at the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center. Wednesday was the busiest day with 5,085 people immunized and an average of 600 people immunized per hour.

The target groups reached both days included:

1% Pregnant Women

19% Children 6 months through 4 years

10% Living with or caring for children under 6 months

6% Children with underlying health conditions

40% Adults with underlying health conditions

54% of those who received immunizations were from Madison; 41% from Dane County, outside of Madison; and 5% from outside of Dane County. People came from 25 communities in Dane County and 58 Wisconsin communities outside of Dane County. Eight people came from other states.

The clinics were a true collaborative effort with over 150 people staffing the clinic each day from a variety of organizations. Over 90 public health staff were working at the clinic each day but, in one way or another, all 170 PHMDC staff were involved in the planning, execution and support of this effort. In addition, PHMDC appreciates the help and support of the following organizations: staff of the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center, Town of Madison Fire and Police Departments, Madison Fire and Police Departments, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, American Red Cross-Badger Chapter, Home Health United, RTM Security and Dane County Emergency Management.

PHMDC currently has 7095 doses of vaccine left. Part of the left over vaccine will be saved for the next round of public clinics being planned and part will be distributed to local providers who can efficiently administer it to those most in need.

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UPDATED Thursday, November 19, 2009 --- 7:15 a.m.

Update from Public Health - Madison & Dane County:

Public Health Targeted Community H1N1 Immunization Clinics – A Success

A total of 6,237 people were immunized at PHMDC’s targeted community H1N1 Immunization Clinics held on Tuesday (11/17) and Wednesday (11/18) at the Alliant Energy Center.

On Tuesday, there were 1,152 people and Wednesday there were 5,085 vaccinated.

On Wednesday, there was a steady stream of people coming through the clinic with an average of almost 600 people immunized an hour. The clinics ran very smoothly both days, with most people through the clinic in an hour or less.

The targeted groups reached on Wednesday included:

· 26 pregnant women

· 15 % children 6 months through 4 years

· 9 % people who live with or care for children less than 6 months old

· 4 % children 5 to 18 years old, with underlying health conditions

· 43 % adults with underlying health conditions

46% of the people came from outside Madison, some from outside of Dane County.

These clinics have successfully vaccinated many people who are at highest risk from complications of H1N1 Influenza.

JEFF GOLDEN
Communications Manager
Public Health Madison & Dane County

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UPDATED Wednesday, November 18, 2009 ---1:43 p.m.

Update from Public Health - Madison & Dane County:

As of 1:00 pm, there have been 1002 vaccines dispensed at the Alliant Energy Center Public Health H1N1 vaccination clinic. The wait is approximately one hour or less; nobody is having to wait outdoors; the lines are moving well. We are expecting to dispense approximately 500 doses per hour throughout the day. The clinic is scheduled to close tonight at 7 pm.

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UPDATED Tuesday, November 17, 2009 --- 7:30 a.m.

Press Release from Public Health - Madison & Dane County:

A total of 1,152 persons were vaccinated at Public Health – Madison & Dane County’s first targeted H1N1 immunization clinic:

· 2 % pregnant women

· 33 % children 6 months through 4 years

· 12 % people who live with or care for children less than 6 months old

· 13 % children 5 to 18 years old, with underlying health conditions

· 25 % adults with underlying health conditions

Of the people immunized today, there were no adverse reactions.

The clinic ran very smoothly today and most people had no waiting time. Since there is still plenty of vaccine for Wednesday’s (11/18) clinic, the target groups are expanded. Below is a list of the groups who have the opportunity to get immunized tomorrow:

· Pregnant women,

· Children 6 months through 4 years

· People who live with or care for those less than 6 months

· Anybody with an underlying health conditions, of any age (children and adults).

The Clinic will be open from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm and is at the Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center. Gates will open 30 minutes before the clinic begins. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

People are encouraged to download and fill out the consent form and bring it with them to the clinic. If someone else is bringing your child, fill out and sign the consent form. The consent form is located at http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/immunization/vaccine.cfm

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UPDATED Tuesday, November 17, 2009 --- 1:53 p.m.

14,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine will be given out over the two days of clinics at the Alliant Energy center. Organizers originally expected 10,000 to be given out.

In addition to the original 5 target groups, organizers are now accepting anyone with underlying health conditions of any age.

The changes were made due to the extra doses and low demand for the vaccine.

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UPDATE Posted Friday, November 13, 2009 -- 5:05pm
By Zac Schultz

Madison: The first public clinics for the H1N1 vaccine are finally coming to Dane County, but not everyone will be invited.

Dr. Thomas Schlenker has good news for Dane County. "We were resupplied with vaccine earlier this week."

After weeks of waiting, Public Health of Madison and Dane County is now ready to conduct its first public clinics for the H1N1 vaccine.

They will take place Tuesday and Wednesday at the Alliant Energy Center. But each will have focus on specific groups.

Tuesday's clinic runs from 10am to 6pm. They hope to reach pregnant women, children from 6 months to 2 years old and kids ages 5 to 18 with underlying health conditions.

Wednesday's clinic runs from 11am to 7pm and targets kids ages 2 to 4
and those who live with or provide child care to infants 6 months and under.

"These are the groups that are at highest risk," says Schlenker, "but we are especially hoping to serve those people in Dane County who are uninsured."

Public Health only has 5,000 doses for each day. Each qualified person through the gates will get a voucher for a shot. "The gates will open a half hour before the clinic starts. There will be no camping out overnight or lining up," says Schlenker.

Officials are hoping for an orderly process next Tuesday and Wednesday. To assist with that, they will shut the gates when all the vaccines are spoken for. "As soon as we give out those 5,000 pieces of paper on the front end, then we will just close the clinic," says Schlenker.

Dr. Schlenker says they will be relying on people to be honest and not lie their way into a shot. "If you're not in any of these five identified highest-risk groups, please don't come, because that will actually take a vaccine away from someone who needs it more than you do."

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UPDATED Friday, November 13, 2009 --- 12:40 p.m.

Public Health Madison and Dane County confirmed this afternoon a Dane County woman (in her 50s) died of H1N1. She did have underlying health issues.

Meanwhile, H1N1 clinics will return to Madison next week.

They'll be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Alliant Energy Center, for those in the high risk categories.

Tuesday's clinic will be for pregnant women, children ages 6 months to 2 years and kids between the age of 5 and 18 (if they have an underlying medical condition).

Wednesday's clinic is for kids between the ages of 2 and 4. Also, for those living with or taking care of infants under 6 months of age.

Times:
Tuesday 10am to 6pm (gates open at 9:30 a.m.)
Wednesday 11am to 7pm (gates open at 10:30 a.m.)

5,000 doses will be given out per day.

__________________________________________________________

Press Release:

Clinics for Target Groups Scheduled for Next Week

Madison WI – November 13, 2009 – Public Health-Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) will hold its first targeted community H1N1 vaccination clinics next week. There will be two days of clinics on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 17 and 18 at the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center.

Public Health continues to work collaboratively with local health care providers to plan for getting the vaccine to high risk individuals as quickly and effectively as possible. For individuals under the care of a health care provider, please contact that provider first to receive the H1N1 vaccine as their supply allows.

PHMDC received a supply of vaccine this week and these clinics will target those who are at highest risk for developing complications and is for especially those uninsured and not connected with a health care provider. Each clinic will distribute 5,000 doses.

Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Pregnant women
- Children from 6 months – 23 months old
- Children 5 – 18 years old with underlying health conditions**

Wednesday, November 18, 11:00 am - 7:00pm
- Children from 24 – 59 months old (2 through 4 years)
- People that live with children less than 6 months of age
- Child care providers of children less than 6 months of age

Families with members in multiple groups are welcome to come either day.

Adults 19 years old and higher and seniors (except in the categories listed above) are asked not to attend these clinics, so that the most vulnerable may be vaccinated first. There will be other opportunities to be immunized as more vaccine becomes available to us and to local health care providers. Immunizations are free and on a first come, first serve basis.

Gates to the Alliant Energy Center will open 30 minutes before the clinic opens. There will be no early admittance and cars attempting to line up early will be turned away. At the gate, cars will drive to the booth and get a pass for each person eligible to be immunized. If you get a pass at the gate, you can be assured there is vaccine available for you. 5,000 doses will be available each day in both nasal mist and injectable (shot) form. As soon as the number of passes issued matches the number of vaccine doses available, no more passes will be issued for the day and the gates will be closed.

As more opportunities to get H1N1 vaccine through Public Health become available, information will be posted on www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/immunization/clinics.cfm

Primary care providers serving these populations have also received H1N1 vaccine and are communicating with high risk groups as vaccine becomes available. Check your provider’s website or flu information line. Contact information is listed on this link

http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/211.cfm

For more information on Public Health clinics, call PHMDC flu line at 243-0555 or United Way 2-1-1.

**Underlying health conditions include: chronic lung disease, including asthma; cardiovascular disease, but not for high blood pressure alone; kidney or liver disease; cognitive or neurologic/neuromuscular disease-including developmental disability, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders; hematologic or metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus; immunosuppression, including immunosuppression caused by medications or HIV; sickle cell disease; and those on long term aspirin therapy.

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UPDATED Friday, October 23, 2009 --- 4:10 p.m.

So far Dane County has only received 8,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. This of course is changing the plans for who gets vaccinated and when.

Originally the county wanted to vaccinate upwards of 200,000 people. But that number has been scaled way back.

Said Public Health's Tom Schlenker at a press conference on Monday, "At this moment there is very little or any vaccine that anybody has for use."

And now plans have to be changed and priorities shifted.

But, why is there a shortage? The virus has to grow in culture to make the vaccine. But that wasn't happening as quickly as anticipated.

"So they were getting 30 or 40 percent of the yields that they were really planning on," added Schlenker.

With the shortage, target groups for the vaccine have changed. Now 5 to 18-year-olds with underlying medical conditions, six-month to four-year-olds, pregnant women, and parents or child-care providers who live with, or care for, children under six-months with be the priority. This group represents about 50,000 people.

Public Health is getting a lot of help from county health care providers.

"This cooperative is working together to maximize the use of what little vaccine we have available to serve those populations in greatest need," said Dean Health Clinics Brenda Klahn.

The group recommends that you don't call health care providers about available vaccines. They don't have any. If you are ill call your health care provider or call 211. And if you have flu-like symptoms isolate yourself and drink clear fluids.

"Thank you very much for your cooperation and patients with this process. It hasn't been easy, but we are working around the clock and we are all committed to the help of the entire community," concluded Klahn.

From now on Public Health will post their press conferences in their entirety on their website to keep you more informed.

If you are interested we have a link to that site under Newslinks on this webchannel.

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UPDATED Friday, October 23, 2009 --- 4:10 p.m.

Press Release;
H1N1 Update for Madison & Dane County
Report as of October 23, 2009

Madison WI – October 23, 20009 - As of Monday October 26, Public Health Madison and Dane County’s (PHMDC) supply of H1N1 vaccine will be exhausted. After Monday, all school vaccination clinics will be suspended until further notice. We expect new shipments to arrive in the weeks ahead but cannot predict when and how much. Our hope is that school clinics can be resumed in November. In the short term, when more vaccines do arrive they will most likely be too few to meet the needs of the entire community. In consultation with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and local hospitals and clinics, we have reconsidered those who are in greatest need of vaccination and agree that the subset of groups to be targeted during limited vaccine availability consists of:

- health care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients

- pregnant women

- persons who live in the same house as infants aged less than 6 months and their day care providers

- children aged 6 months to 4 years

- children and adolescents aged 5-18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

On receipt of new vaccine shipments, PHMDC first order of business will be to hold special H1N1 vaccination clinics for the subset of the population listed above who do not have established providers or who are not able to access vaccination through them. The public will be notified when we receive new vaccines shipments, when and where the clinics will be held and to whom they will be targeted. As vaccine supplies become more abundant, PHMDC and our partners will resume school-based clinics.

SPECIAL STATEMENT:
From the Public Information Offices of Area Hospitals and Clinics and Public Health Madison and Dane County.

Madison WI- October 23, 2009 - The very limited community supply of H1N1 vaccine is virtually exhausted. The current vaccine will be used up as current commitments to vaccinate high-priority group continues.

Hospitals and clinics and private health care providers, along with Public Health Madison & Dane County, have been besieged with calls about vaccine availability and are working closely together to let the community know that supplies everywhere are virtually exhausted and will remain very limited for the foreseeable future.

Vaccine distribution is complicated by the fact that the most readily available form of the vaccine is not approved for use in pregnant women and certain other groups within the population.

To ensure that clinics and hospitals can address the needs of ill patients, the community is encouraged to do the following:

- Please do not call the health care providers regarding vaccine availability

- If you are ill with symptoms, call your provider before going in

- If you do not have a provider, call United Way 211 or 246-HELP.

The public-private cooperation is planning to maximize the efficient use of vaccine to those populations in greatest need.

The health care community recognizes the public concern about this issue and is committed to providing regular updates on the rapidly changing situation.

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UPDATED Friday, October 23, 2009 --- 4:00 p.m.

From the Madison School District website:

We have just learned from Public Health Madison Dane County that due to limited vaccine availability, school H1N1 clinics at O'Keeffe (Oct 26), Crestwood (Oct 27), Elvehjem (Oct 27), and Lapham/Affiliated Alternatives (Oct 28) are cancelled.

Only the nasal spray will be available at the clinics at Franklin, Lincoln and Midvale on Oct 26.

If your child is not vaccinated at the school clinic, your child will bring home a notice.

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UPDATED Thursday, October 22, 2009 --- 3:15 p.m.

Public Health Madison & Dane County just updated reporters on the H1N1 vaccine shortage.

Dane County is out of the injectable form of the H1N1 vaccine; only nasal vaccines are available at this time.

As of right now, the school vaccination clinics scheduled for tomorrow are still a go. However, there is a possibility that school clinics scheduled for next week will be postponed. That decision will be made tomorrow.

Also, Public Health Madison & Dane County is monitoring the situation very closely to make sure those who are pregnant or have chronic illnesses get vaccinated. Officials are working on a new plan of attack.

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UPDATED Monday, October 19, 2009 --- 10:00 a.m.

H1N1 vaccination clinics begin Tuesday at schools across Dane County. Click on the link below for school schedule.

CLICK HERE for the complete schedule.

It will take 5 weeks to complete the first round of school immunizations.

The H1N1 vaccine is being given first to those who are more likely to get the flu and/or more likely to develop complications. This group includes school children. Parents will be provided with information about the vaccine and a consent form to sign if they wish to have their child immunized at school. Children cannot be vaccinated without a signed consent form, so parents should make sure to return the consent form promptly.

Parents can also call the PHMDC Flu Line at 243-0555 with any questions regarding the school-based clinics. General questions about H1N1 can be answered by calling 2-1-1.

Children under 10 years of age need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine, about one month apart. Public Health will also be providing booster doses to these children at later clinics.

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UPDATED: Thursday, October 15, 2009 --- 9:22 p.m.

Public Health of Madison and Dane County held its first flu season briefing Thursday morning.

They will hold these meetings periodically during flu season to keep the public educated on what's happening.

So far in Dane County 28 people have been hospitalized with H1N1. Nine have been kids and three pregnant women. Almost all these people have been sent to intensive care.

Concerning the school vaccination program: They still plan on beginning that program on Tuesday. The vaccinations aren't mandatory, but they are recommended for anyone between six months and 24 years old.

But, a lot of parents are concerned about giving their kids a vaccine that was rushed to the market. Here is what director of Public Health Thomas Schlenker said about that.

"It has been tested in several hundred volunteers over the summer and not one of those volunteers has had any serious reactions at all," said Dr. Schlenker.

He also says that the companies that make this vaccine are the same ones that make the season flu shots, and they are very good at what they do.

In addition, he mentioned that we must measure any dangers of the vaccine against the disease itself, which unlike seasonal flu seems to be far more serious in children.

If you have questions about the seasonal flu or H1N1, Doctor Schlenker recommends that you first call your provider. If you don't have one, you can call 211, which is a helpline set up to answer questions. That helpline has been getting 15 to 20 calls a day.

The school vaccination program is being paid for by the federal government.

__________________________________________________________

UPDATED: Thursday, October 15, 2009 --- 9:22 p.m.
REPORTER: Chris Woodard

Tonight parents face a choice about whether they should let their child get the H1N1 vaccination.

With clinics about to begin at schools the debate is on, is it safe to let your child get the vaccination?

We've received dozens of calls and e-mails in our newsroom from people who are looking for answers and from one mother warning others, do your research.

12 year old Levon Blackburn is everything to his mother and like many parents her head is spinning.

Kari Blackburn says, "He is precious and he is priceless. He is precious enough to slow down, gather information and make sure I am making an informed choice."

As schools across our area gear up for mass H1N1 flu vaccinations the choice is to vaccinate or take your chances.

Blackburn says, "There has been such a rush to get it out and get it in these kids."

For Blackburn it's too much, too soon. She will not let her son get the vaccination.

She says, "I know they haven't had time to do any long term testing, obviously."

Public Health officials aren't concerned.

Immunization Program Manager Cheryl Robinson says, "I strongly recommend it."

They say there are a lot of myths and rumors floating around about the vaccine.

As for concerns about mercury and protections for vaccine manufacturers Robinson says, "It's a flu shot. It's really the same flu shot that we've had around for a long time."

At 211, a United Way help line operators have been steadily fielding calls.

Robinson says, "It's good that people are looking carefully at the facts and I want people to look at scientific sources I guess. There's a lot of blogs and a lot of things being said that are kind of ridiculous."

But like many parents Blackburn still hasn't seen enough testing.

She says, "Just the rush, what's the rush? What's the rush? It's about an informed choice. Make an informed choice please because you're making it for your kids since they can't make it for themselves."

If you have concerns or specific question about the vaccine we've posted our entire interview with Public Health's immunization manager above.

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UPDATED Thursday, October 15, 2009 --- 1:41 p.m.

NOTE: A media briefing is planned for Friday morning. Dr. Thomas L. Schlenker, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County, is expected to address reporters. Stay with NBC15 and NBC15.com for continuing coverage.

Monday's flu vaccines have been moved to November. The vaccines are not in yet, so those schools scheduled to have vaccines on Tuesday will now be first in line.

Schools scheduled for Monday included:
Marshall Middle School
Marshall High School
Marshall Elementary
The Early Learning Center in Marshall
Middleton Northside Elementary
Glacier Creek Middle School in Middleton/Cross Plains
McFarland High School

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UPDATED Tuesday, October 13, 2009 --- 2:00 p.m.

Press release from Public Health Madison & Dane County:

Public Health to Begin H1N1 Immunizations at Schools
Vaccination Clinics Planned for Dane County Schools

Madison WI – October 13, 2009 – Parents of school children in Madison and Dane County will soon receive information about the opportunity for their child to receive the H1N1 immunization at school. Next week, Public Health –Madison and Dane County will begin going to schools throughout Dane County and providing the immunization. “This will depend on the availability of vaccine,” says Cheryl Robinson, Public Health Nursing Supervisor. “To begin the clinics next week and keep them on schedule, we need a steady supply of vaccine. We hope to start Monday, October 19 and continue without interruption.”

It will take 5 weeks to complete the first round of school immunizations.

The H1N1 vaccine is being given first to those who are more likely to get the flu and/or more likely to develop complications. This group includes school children. Parents will be provided with information about the vaccine and a consent form to sign if they wish to have their child immunized at school. Children cannot be vaccinated without a signed consent form, so parents should make sure to return the consent form promptly. Consent forms and the schedule for school vaccination clinics, is also available at

http://www.publichealthmdc.com/disease/swineflu/k12/index.cfm.

Parents can also call the PHMDC Flu Line at 243-0555 with any questions regarding the school-based clinics. General questions about H1N1 can be answered by calling 2-1-1.

Children under 10 years of age need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine, about one month apart. Public Health will also be providing booster doses to these children at later clinics.

The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine and has the same very good safety track record.

“This is an important opportunity to prevent H1N1 flu which has been circulating in our community. It allows children to stay healthy and in school, and also protect families and the community as a whole,” says Robinson.

The H1N1 vaccine should also be available through your child’s health care provider soon.

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UPDATE: October 12, 2009 --- 8:00 pm

Health officials in Dane County have released the list of what schools will get the H1N1 vaccine and when.

"It's a serious disease," said Judy Howard. "It's a threat."

So far in America, 76 kids have died from the H1N1 virus.

"We are diverting all of our staff to work on this," said Howard who works for Public Health of Madison and Dane County.

Health officials in Dane County are doing all they can to not add to that number. Starting on October 19, Public Health of Madison and Dane County, will begin a five-week vaccination program, which covers 80,000 students in about 180 schools.

The Middleton-Cross Plains School District will have some of the first schools to be vaccinated. Like Northside Elementary. But they also have some of the last, like their high school.

Howard says they picked the order based on geography. "We are looking at how can we affect the most people by distributing our efforts throughout the county. So we are hitting all parts of Dane County at once instead of one part of the county all at once. We don't want there to be an outbreak anywhere."

Either way schools were not given much time to prepare. And until the free vaccines come, they have to be careful.

Said Michelle Larson with the Middleton-Cross Plains School District, "This is the schedule and this is what we have to do and we will put into practice all the other things we have been doing to keep the flu out of the schools in terms of educating kids on hand-washing, and hand sanitizer, and keeping kids healthy, keeping sick kids at home."

"We are all utilizing our resources to make this a success," Howard concluded.

The vaccine comes in one shot for people older then 10, and 2 shots for kids under ten. They are not mandatory.

Public Health of Madison and Dane County expects to have enough vaccines, but they won't know for sure until the end of the week.

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UPDATE: October 12, 2009 --- 1:45 pm

Public Health Madison and Dane County has released a detailed schedule for dates and times each school in the county will have in-school clinics for the H1N1 vaccine.

CLICK HERE for the complete schedule.

CLICK HERE for Dane County's comprehensive H1N1 Web Page

From Public Health Madison & Dane County & United Way of Dane County:

For Dane County residents who have questions about H1N1 flu related symptoms, treatment, vaccine or other concerns, there are a number of ways to get useful answers.

* If you have a regular health care provider, your best source of answers is your primary care provider or home health provider. This is especially important if you or a family member has flu-like symptoms. They will help you assess whether or not you or your family member may need medical attention.

* If you do not have a health care provider or home health agency, you can call 211 or 246-HELP. The 211 service is provided by United Way of Dane County and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide people with a variety of helpful information and links to social and medical services. Most cases of flu-like illness require self-care measures such as rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying home until you are free of symptoms.

* Another good source of comprehensive information about the flu can be found on Public Health Madison & Dane County’s website at: www.publichealthmdc.com/h1n1news. This site provides regularly updated information about both H1N1 and the seasonal flu. The site also provides easy to access information for parents of school age children, businesses, healthcare providers, college students, pregnant women, and other groups regarding symptoms, vaccinations, and prevention tips as well as links to a variety of useful resources.

Public Health is working with United Way 211, Dane County health care providers and home health agencies to develop a Dane County Collaborative Triage system. Dane County residents with questions related to H1N1 should:

(1) Go to www.publichealthmdc.com/h1n1news for current information

(2) Call their usual healthcare provider

See below for a list of provider contact numbers

(3) Call United Way 211 or 246-HELP if they do not have a health care provider, home health agency or are uninsured

PROVIDER CONTACT NUMBERS

UW Health – call your primary care clinic

Physicians Plus/Meriter – call your primary care clinic

St. Mary’s (608) 251-6100

Dean Health Systems (608) 250-1383/ Toll free 1-877-277-3326

Access Community Health Centers: (608) 443-5480 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM

Group Health Cooperative (608) 257-9700

HospiceCare Inc. (608) 276-4660

Veterans Hospital (608) 280-7066

University Health Services (UW-Madison students) (608) 265-5600 (8:00 am-9:00 pm)